THE BEST ROCK GUITAR PLAYERS!!!

[Drumolator]

Good choices above! I would like to add Neil Zaza. Peace and goodwill.

[Gail Mist]

Don't forget Punky Meadows!...he's more fluid than Jeff Beck!

Wow! Now I know where Jeff Young got his hairdo!

Well, my hubby is the guitarist of the household, and I'll have to get his take later.
But, for me (one who is outside of so many of the technical aspects), a great rock guitarist -- or musician overall -- is an artist who is truly one with his instrument; i.e., the guitar becomes an extension of the player. Also, their personality must be conducted/personified through their playing.
So, these being my standards, I would have to say that one of the best rock guitar players is -- in my heart -- Criss Oliva!

[Pif]

Another endless thread comin' up?

I'll quote just a few I fear wouldn't be mentioned here, according to overall musicality rather than pure chops :

Dean De Leo (Stone Temple Pilots)
Alain Johannes (Eleven, QotSA & Them Crooked Vultures on tour)
Randy California (Spirit)
Ty Tabor (King's X, Platypus, Jelly Jam... - kind of a shredder but first and foremost amazing riffer)

And of course a gazillion others, but it's not my turn anymore.

[ROCK KITTEN 76]

I quite like the guitarist from Heavens Basement too (Sid)

[Editor Owen]

For a rock metal player I dont think there's anyone on the planet much hotter than the UK's Andy James:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv5wtdfq6v0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Other than that... Andy Timmons?

[Chunweh]

Why no mention of REB BEACH (Winger,Whitesnake,Alice Cooper)?? He's awesome!!

[MasoTMN]

Guthrie Govan's been mentioned and is definitely worth mentioning again, this guy is a beast, I mean, he can play anything! Oh, and Steve Howe, don't know if he's been mentioned yet, but Steve Howe (listen to early Yes records) is plain awesome.